AM3 Build 2nd Try

[gregoryvg]

I am about 90% certain that I am going to go ahead and build a new PC now. I was going to wait (and still might) for Bulldozer, but that is going to be quite a while it seems and it they will probably be expensive. So here is my build, let me know where I could save some money and or cheap upgrades - thanks!

This is a gaming PC, my current monitor is a 20" 1600x900 resolution. For Christmas '11 I may get a 23" 1080p monitor.

Everything listed below has Free Shipping from Newegg as of 01/27.

Video: MSI N460GTX 768MB - $149.99 ($124.99 after rebate).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127519

I would prefer getting the 1GB version, but the cheapest one of those were like $189.99 and this w/the Rebate just seemed too tempting esp. on my budget. What do you think? Also, I do plan to upgrade to a Blu-Ray drive at some point in the furure (I like watching Movies at my PC), would this be a good card for that or would ATI cards be better (keep in mind I would like to try out Phys-X)?

Motherboard: BIOSTAR A770E3 AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - $59.99 ($10.00 off)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813138179

CPU: AMD Athlon II X3 450 Rana 3.2GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W (retail) - $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103886

I think I will be happy if I can't unlock to that fourth core, but are the Athlon II's overclockable?

RAM: G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 - $64.99 ($12.00 off)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231424

Yes! I want 8 gigs of RAM!

PSU: Antec EarthWatts EA-500D Green 500W - $49.99 ($40.00 off)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371035

Case: NZXT M59 - 001BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $49.99 ($20.00 off).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811146058

Hard Disk: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB - $59.99 ($10.00 off)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152185

If they had the 2GB version for $79.99, I would get that instead, but it's $99.99 atm.

DVD Drive: LG Black 22X DVD+R - $15.99.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136216

Eh, it's cheap

GRAND TOTAL: $530.92 w/free shipping! ($505.92/AR)

I don't need Windows 7 as I'm getting that with some gift cards from Amazon.

Okay, let her rip - how can I improve this setup or do I got a pretty good deal here?

Thanks!

P.S. I am not against intel. If you can suggest an intel build for around the same price I am listening (but I will not accept a dual core configuration).

 

[gregoryvg]

Dangit, I Just found this videocard on Newegg: Palit NE5X460EFHD02 GeForce GTX 460 SE (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card - $159.99 ($40.00 off) and A/R price of $139.99 and free shipping. It's a 1GB card which I really did want. Worth it (Palit over MSI)?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...1088&cm_re=gtx_460_1gb-_-14-261-088-_-Product

 

[mnewsham]

Dangit, I Just found this videocard on Newegg: Palit NE5X460EFHD02 GeForce GTX 460 SE (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card - $159.99 ($40.00 off) and A/R price of $139.99 and free shipping. It's a 1GB card which I really did want. Worth it (Palit over MSI)?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-088-_-Product

The 460 SE is the worst 460, the 768mb version usually performs better.

 

[fffblackmage]

Video: MSI N460GTX 768MB - $149.99 ($124.99 after rebate).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127519

I would prefer getting the 1GB version, but the cheapest one of those were like $189.99 and this w/the Rebate just seemed too tempting esp. on my budget. What do you think?

$145 ($105 AR) + $8 shipping - Galaxy GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) GC 768MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814162058

The 1GB version would be nicer... but I think the 768MB version can do 1600x900 just fine.

I think I will be happy if I can't unlock to that fourth core, but are the Athlon II's overclockable?

You can overclock by increasing the base clock.

PSU: Antec EarthWatts EA-500D Green 500W - $49.99 ($40.00 off)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371035

$60 ($41 AR and promo) - Antec NEO ECO 520C
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371030

Hard Disk: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB - $59.99 ($10.00 off)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152185

If they had the 2GB version for $79.99, I would get that instead, but it's $99.99 atm.

Alternatively, there's the WD20EARS For $90 after promo with an additional $20 MIR.

P.S. I am not against intel. If you can suggest an intel build for around the same price I am listening (but I will not accept a dual core configuration).

I don't think you can find an Intel quad core for under $200, sadly.

 

[gregoryvg]

The 460 SE is the worst 460, the 768mb version usually performs better.

Wow, thanks for the save there!

 

[tynopik]

If you're willing to go up that high and switch to AMD, you could get this:

$153 MSI R6850-PM2D1GD5/OC HD 6850 1GB
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch_v3.asp?scriteria=AA99342

 

[gregoryvg]

$145 ($105 AR) + $8 shipping - Galaxy GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) GC 768MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814162058

The 1GB version would be nicer... but I think the 768MB version can do 1600x900 just fine.

Yeah, I think 768MB would be fine at 16x9, but I wonder what might happen when I go up to 1080p later this year . . .

Hmm, MSI or Galaxy - both good names, I think I prefer the cooling solution on the MSI, but for $105/AR for the Galaxay gonna be a hard choice.

$60 ($41 AR and promo) - Antec NEO ECO 520C
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371030

Interesting. I like that the fan is bigger on this one than the Earthwatts - does that make a difference?

I don't think you can find an Intel quad core for under $200, sadly.

Yep. And I don't think 2 cores really cuts it anymore for the newer games.

 

[tynopik]

P.S. I am not against intel. If you can suggest an intel build for around the same price I am listening (but I will not accept a dual core configuration).

I would just make sure you understand the performance gap you're accepting:

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/189?vs=288

$298 i5-2500 + Intel H67 Micro ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.575898

That is $160 more than the AMD setup, but personally I would try to find a way

 

[gregoryvg]

I would just make sure you understand the performance gap you're accepting:

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/189?vs=288

$298 i5-2500 + Intel H67 Micro ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.575898

That is $160 more than the AMD setup, but personally I would try to find a way

Yes, I have thought about the performance. I guess I have two reason why I don't go that route:

1. The Athlon x3 will be a pretty huge improvement over my current e2160.
2. By the time the Athlon won't be cutting it for me any longer, I can probably use that $160 and buy something at least as nice as a 2500k while passing down the x3 and MB to my son's PC.

I would probaby go with the intel solution if I could get that price down to like $50 or $60 difference (even for the lesser 2000 series chips). There is a Microcenter fairly close to my house, does anyone knwo if they have any free (or close to free) motherboard specials with the new i5 CPUs? I tried looking and all I could find was this:
http://www.microcenter.com/specials/...namitedata.com
which is AMD specials w/MB, but for the life of me I can't find one like that for intel chips . . .

I might stop by this weekend though and pick up the Atlon II x4 640 w/MB (gotta decide which one is best) for $95.99, that is hard to beat.

 

[mnewsham]

The 20th of february will see the new i3 chips at around 120-140

 

[gregoryvg]

The 20th of february will see the new i3 chips at around 120-140

But aren't those all dual cores? I really want more than two.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

But aren't those all dual cores? I really want more than two.

Per core they're faster (or should be) than AMD's Athlon IIs. It's your call.

Stick with that Samsung, it's a good drive.

 

[stargazr]

I did an AMD Athlon X3 build with the NZXT M-59 case and it's the best I have seen for the money, good choice if you like the look. Excellent overall build quality. Tool-less drive removal through the side panel, excellent cable management & good airflow.

 

[jaydee]

I was hoping to find better PSU deals than what's out there currently. Over the summer, Corsair had an on and off deal on their good 400W 80+ model for $20 AR that would have been perfect.

It's overkill, but I'd go with this: Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W for $60 - $6 promo code PSUJAN2011 + $2 shipping = $56 - $15 MIR = $41
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371030

 

[fffblackmage]

Yeah, I think 768MB would be fine at 16x9, but I wonder what might happen when I go up to 1080p later this year . . .

Hmm, MSI or Galaxy - both good names, I think I prefer the cooling solution on the MSI, but for $105/AR for the Galaxay gonna be a hard choice.

I was thinking that might be the case. If you haven't already, try look for some reviews.

By the end of the year, you could probably just upgrade to a nicer graphics card. Or wait until new stuff come out (not sure when that'll be though). In either case, I wouldn't go overkill on graphics card now, since you'll be waiting quite some time for the 1080p upgrade.

Interesting. I like that the fan is bigger on this one than the Earthwatts - does that make a difference?

I don't think that really matters too much. More importantly, the Antec Neo Eco is based on the solid Seasonic S12II, and for the price, it's a steal.

 

[gregoryvg]

I did an AMD Athlon X3 build with the NZXT M-59 case and it's the best I have seen for the money, good choice if you like the look. Excellent overall build quality. Tool-less drive removal through the side panel, excellent cable management & good airflow.

Thanks for the insight on the case, I appreciate that. Some of the reviewers at Newegg were complainging about being able to use the top 5.25" bay due to the LED surround. Did you experience an issue with that or find an easy way to work around it?

For example: " . . . the top 5.25" drive bezel is removable, but good luck getting a drive to fit flush with it, i had to leave that space empty and move down a space because of my drive being a slot-loading style."

"Small Cons ~ The top cd tray didn't work when I installed the drives so I moved them 1 slot down which was no biggie to me. I have read of easy ways to make it work if thats important to you though. You won't be able to install a top front fan if you use the stealthed cd tray."

Also considering the following cases:
COOLER MASTER Elite 430 RC-430-KWN1 - $49.99 (save $5.00, free shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119227

And
HEC Blitz Black Steel Edition ATX Mid Tower Computer - $39.99 (save $25.00, free shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811121096

 

[gregoryvg]

I was hoping to find better PSU deals than what's out there currently. Over the summer, Corsair had an on and off deal on their good 400W 80+ model for $20 AR that would have been perfect.

It's overkill, but I'd go with this: Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W for $60 - $6 promo code PSUJAN2011 + $2 shipping = $56 - $15 MIR = $41
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371030

Dunno if a 520W PSU is overkill

Not really a fan ot MIRs and only considered them on the video cards because they were quite sizeable. Would rather spend a few bucks more than deal with them [MIR] so would probably stick with the Antec Earthwatts 500W for a few bucks more. Thank you for the suggestion tho!!!

 

[gregoryvg]

Barring MicroCenter having a great deal on an intel i-series w/MB tommorow when I go, I am almost positive I'm gonna get their AMD Athlon II x4 640 Propus and ASUS M4N68T-M V2 Socket AM3 630a mATX Motherboard for $95.99. From what I've read the 640 Propus is a decent overclocker to boot so I can always try that later if I need more performance over the next year or two.

Still mad that the Samsung F4 2TB drive is not on sale anymore at Newegg. Do those go on sale very often? Wouldn't mind waiting an extra week or so if they go on sale all the time.

 

[stargazr]

Thanks for the insight on the case, I appreciate that. Some of the reviewers at Newegg were complainging about being able to use the top 5.25" bay due to the LED surround. Did you experience an issue with that or find an easy way to work around it?

No problem. That is the one strange thing about the case. There's a built-in swinging door for the DVD drive. When you open your drive it's supposed to push the door open. Stupid idea and I wouldn't trust it so I just mounted the DVD drive in the bay below. Can't comment on whether it's easy to do away with it. The computer is for my GF, she only has the one disc drive and one HDD so I didn't care, it looks fine just leaving it alone.

 

[mfenn]

Barring MicroCenter having a great deal on an intel i-series w/MB tommorow when I go, I am almost positive I'm gonna get their AMD Athlon II x4 640 Propus and ASUS M4N68T-M V2 Socket AM3 630a mATX Motherboard for $95.99. From what I've read the 640 Propus is a decent overclocker to boot so I can always try that later if I need more performance over the next year or two.

Still mad that the Samsung F4 2TB drive is not on sale anymore at Newegg. Do those go on sale very often? Wouldn't mind waiting an extra week or so if they go on sale all the time.

I would NOT recommend buying an Nvidia chipset at this point. Get the DDR3 785G bundles (785GM-P45). Nvidia chipsets are pretty much in "no support" mode.

 

[gregoryvg]

I would NOT recommend buying an Nvidia chipset at this point. Get the DDR3 785G bundles (785GM-P45). Nvidia chipsets are pretty much in "no support" mode.

LOL, I just got finished pre-ordering that one! Oh well, I guess I can always cancel it in the morning if I need to. Microcenter is out of the MSI 785GM-P45 AM3, and the other MSI is a 785-GTM-E45 which is an AM2+ (I want to stick with AM3). Lastly they have a Biostar A780L3G AM3 760G in stock, but I'm not so sure about Biostar.

Also, just like that the prices all changed on Newegg! THe prices went up on everything on my list and I lost free shipping! Oh well, I guess I'll have to start over on most of the stuff. At least I have Windows 7, CPU and MB locked up.

Update: And now the prices are back, that was weird.

 

[stargazr]

What CPU did you decide on? Are you dead set on MSI? Here's real good 785 Asus board -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-406-_-Product

 

[gregoryvg]

What CPU did you decide on? Are you dead set on MSI? Here's real good 785 Asus board -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-406-_-Product

I'm going to Microcenter today so the CPU might change. I see they have the i5 2400 for $149.99 or the i5 2500k for $179.99, so I might spend more to get one of those over the AMD Quad since the i5 is much more future looking while the AMD is a bit long in the tooth. But I would have to spring anohter $100 or so at least for an intel MB, but the MB would probably be of a better and better features than the "free" AMD MOBO's at Microcenter.

 

[mnewsham]

I'm going to Microcenter today so the CPU might change. I see they have the i5 2400 for $149.99 or the i5 2500k for $179.99, so I might spend more to get one of those over the AMD Quad since the i5 is much more future looking while the AMD is a bit long in the tooth. But I would have to spring anohter $100 or so at least for an intel MB, but the MB would probably be of a better and better features than the "free" AMD MOBO's at Microcenter.

Spring the extra now, it won't last any longer physically but you will have better performance throughout the life of your computer.

 

[gregoryvg]

Spring the extra now, it won't last any longer physically but you will have better performance throughout the life of your computer.

Well, I went to MC today and I did spring for the i5. THey had a nice bundle of the i5 2500k and ASUS P8P67 MB for $299.99 - which is about double what I wanted to spend, but I think it was worthwhile. This system should easily last me for 4-5 years.